In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, espresso, warm spice
Palate: medium-full body, velvety tannins, crushed blueberry, round, cocoa finish
The flagship Fronsac estate red from 60 hectares on clay-limestone soils above the Dordogne. Merlot-led and supple with dark chocolate and ripe cherry; aged in spectacular 16th-century underground cellars at constant 13 degrees.
What it pairs with
-
Magret de canard with cherries
Duck breast richness is lifted by the wine's ripe cherry and dark fruit character; spice complements the sauce. -
Pork shoulder with prunes and Armagnac
Sweet-savory braised pork and dried fruit resonate with the wine's plum and chocolate register. -
Grilled entrecote with green peppercorn sauce
Velvety tannins cushion the steak; the wine's licorice note echoes the pepper. -
Mushroom and walnut salad with Roquefort
Earthy mushroom and pungent cheese find counterpoint in the wine's round, supple texture.
History
Chateau de la Riviere is one of the oldest estates in Fronsac, with records dating to the 16th century. The property's spectacular cave network, carved into the limestone cliffs above the Dordogne, was used for ageing wine from the earliest vintages. Xavier Buffo acquired the estate in 2003 and engaged Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker, elevating quality to regional leadership.
- 1530 — Estate established; limestone cave network used for wine storage
- 2003 — Xavier Buffo acquires the estate; Michel Rolland engaged as consultant
- 2018 — Decanter awards 93 points, highest published score for Fronsac at time
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau de la Riviere
- Grapes
- Merlot (84%), Cabernet Franc (8%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Malbec (2%)
- Classification
- Fronsac AOC
- Oak
- 15 months in French oak: 40% new, 60% once-used barrels
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Production
- 280,000 bottles
- Price
- €25-45 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1530
Scores
- Decanter 93 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2021)
- Wine Advocate 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)